About Us

Since it was established in 1956, the Ulster Historical Foundation has carved a unique space in the world of genealogy. We are the only body on the island of Ireland which provides expertise in family history research, conducts regular lecture tours in North America and Australasia, organises annual family history conferences, and produces a range of high-quality publications.

The Foundation is entirely self-funded. We depend on the support of our customers and members to continue to provide the range of services that we currently offer. Our aim is to encourage an interest in the history of the province of Ulster, strengthen the links between Ireland and those of Ulster descent overseas, and broaden access to historical documents and records for Irish and Scots-Irish genealogy.

Over these years the Ulster Historical Foundation has developed into one of the principal genealogical research agencies in Ireland and a leading publisher of quality historical, educational and genealogical books. Annual conferences and lecture tours allow us to interact directly with those seeking to trace their ancestors.

It also operates a membership association called the Ulster Historical and Genealogical Guild, the aim of which is to bring together people from all over the world in their quest to discover Irish and Scots-Irish ancestors. Members have access to a broad range of databases and resources through our website and receive three annual publications: Familia: Ulster Genealogical Review; Directory of Irish Family History Research; and The Kiltonga Bugle.

The Foundation is established for exclusively charitable purposes and is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (NIC100280). It is presently governed by a trust deed dated 7 October 1998, and a scheme of incorporation dated 10 May 1999, which establishes the Trustees as a body corporate.

The Foundation is administered by a Board of Trustees that meets quarterly. A publications subcommittee evaluates proposals for books received by the Foundation. The Director, appointed by the Trustees, manages the day to day operations of the Foundation with the assistance of a small staff made up of full time and part time employees.